Nuna Exec Review – Insane Performance for an Insan Price

Nuna Exec Car Seat

Overall Rating

 4.7/5

Face Rear & Front

Designed and distributed by the newly-emerging popular brand, the Nuna Exec is a monster. Crowned as the king of car seats, it has an incredible top weight and height limit combination of 120 pounds and 57 inches, dishes out insane levels of extra features for safety and installation that will make the mouths of parents everywhere water, and a bulky but solid design that provides maximum comfort for infants and big kids. It’s very expensive and very heavy, but it leaves all other car seats quivering in its beastly wake.

*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.

Nuna Exec Car Seat Review - Insane Performance for an Insane Price

Pros & Cons

The good and the bad

What is it best for

Who we recommend it for

Value for Money

Is it worth the price tag?

Design

Dimensions, weight, color, etc

Safety Rating

Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP

Performance

Weight/height limits, airplane, etc

Installation

Install with LATCH or seat belt

Alternatives

Other car seats to consider

1. Pros and Cons

Pros

120 lbs/ 57" for growing kids
50-lb weight limit for extended rear-facing
12-position headrest adjustment
8-position recline option
Aeroflex side impact protection
Plenty of padding for comfort
Relatively narrow profile (18.5")
Adjustable leg rest for comfort and safety
Simply secure technique for easy installation
Made of high end merino wool

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Nuna Exec Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

First things first, this is not one for families that have a limited budget for a car seat. Discard any notions you might have about the Exec being a good choice for first-time parents, a backup car seat, or travel families, and forget about it if you’re on a budget.

The Nuna Exec performs as well (and costs as much) as a rotating car seat, and price-wise, it’s closer (and even much more expensive than ) to a 360 car seat than it is to a conventional convertible car seat.

What I’m trying to say is that the Exec car seat is not for most parents who have their first baby, nor is it for families who have multiple kids in the car seat. The price is the major factor; its bulky design should be taken into consideration as well, even though it has a narrow profile of 18.5 inches wide (same as the Britax Marathon).

To match its high price, Nuna builds a lot of safety and comfort extras in the Exec car seat, making few parents appeal to this option to pursue top-notch performance in safety, comfort, and ease of use in one car seat. This does not mean other competitors do not work well in these aspects. But the Nuna Exec puts every feature in a car seat to the peak, making it the king of this car seat industry.

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3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

The Nuna Exec is a fantastic piece of engineering. As an all-in-one car seat, weight limit-smashing, and peace of mind in the arm, it succeeds on all fronts, and parents won’t want to be without it.

But is it worth the price tag? That’s hard to say and is more reflective of your budget than it is the car seat’s specs. If you have eight hundred bucks to spare and want one of the safest and most comfortable car seats going, then you’re in for a treat.

However, if your pockets don’t go quite so deep, you can get a little more bang for your buck elsewhere.

Britax One4Life, for instance, is more than half the cost of the Nuna Exec, at an alluring (if not exactly budget-friendly) price of $399.99. It lacks an extension leg rest – and doesn’t use the higher-end Merino wool – but it has a higher booster height limit (63″) and a very unique ClickTight technology for installation. Like the Exec, it has a 50-lb weight limit and a 120-pound booster weight limit. Even better, the One4Life has one more position for both headrest adjustment and reclining.

Alternatively, if portability is what you’re for, consider the Diono Radian 3RXT. It combines capacity (120 lbs/ 57″), folding design, and narrow profile (17″) to create an all-in-one car seat that will provide safety and comfort for your kid’s growth while giving parents like you the maximum convenience. Oh, even better than Britax One4Life, it is less than half the price of the Exec, costing $349.99

If your wallet isn’t up to the demands of either of the above – but you’d still like to call one a long-term investment – you could always opt for one of the less heavy-duty models in its catalog. My first thought would be the Graco 4Ever DLX (120 lbs/ 57″, RapidRemove, and $329.99).

Nuna Exec vs Rava

Car Seats Comparison	Nuna Exec	Nuna Rava
Price	750	$550
Weight limits (lb)	RF:5-50 / FF: 25-65/ Booster: 40-120	RF:5-50 / FF: 25-65
Height limits (in)	RF / FF: 49"; Booster: 57"	RF / FF: 49"
Installation	Simply	Simply
Side impact protection	3 layers	3 layers
Headrest positions	12	10
Recine position	8	10
Width	18.5 inches	19 inches
Car Seat Weight	26.6 lb.	27.2 lb.
Machine-washable fabric	✓	✓
Cup Holder	Two	Two
Color options	6; Granite, Caviar, Lake, Oak, Ocean, and Riveted	5; Granite, Caviar, Lake, Frost, and Rose

4. Design

Dimensions and Width

Hey, are you questioning if the Nuna Exec fits well in most car models? Well, you might be interested in knowing its dimensions. For an all-in-one convertible car seat designed to grow with your child, Nuna Exec’s dimensions at L 22.5″ x W 18.5″ x H 26-33″ make it quite compact.

The Nuna Exec car seat is made to maximize space in any car model. Despite its narrow profile, the seat is spacious enough for your child’s comfort. Your little one can sit neatly and safely in it without feeling cramped or restricted.

So, how does Nuna Exec compare to other all-in-one car seats? The 18.5-inch width is fairly narrow enough to be competitive with our best narrow car seats – all models are within 18.5-inch wide. The narrow profile enables the Nuna Exec car seat to fit comfortably in different car models, ranging from compact cars to SUVs.

Also, the car seat’s height helps to provide enough headroom for your child. This factor, combined with an adjustable headrest with 12 positions, provides a lot of customization options that your child can grow into over time.

So if you are looking for a convertible car seat that takes up little space in the car and guarantees maximal comfort and protection for your child, the Nuna Exec car seat is an excellent choice.

The manufacturer boasts of its ability to fit 3 across in some vehicles. You probably achieve that if you have a mid- or large-size family car. Otherwise, slimmer car seats under 17 inches wide would be the best option.

See also:

Portability

Are you considering buying the Nuna Exec car seat, but you are wondering if it’s lightweight or not? Well, you’re in luck. The Nuna Exec weighs 26.6 pounds. But how does this compare with other all-in-one car seats weight-wise?

When it comes to the weight of convertible car seats, the industry standard is around 20-25 pounds. Therefore, at 26.6 pounds, the Nuna Exec is not the lightest convertible car seat on the market, but it is by no means one of the heaviest either, at least not as heavy as its competitor Britax One4Life (30 pounds).

The weight of a car seat can be an essential factor to consider, depending on your priorities. The typical situation is that you plan to move your car seat regularly from one car to another or carry it with you while traveling. At this time, you may prefer a lighter and more portable option. In this regard, the Nuna Exec is not considered a great option. Though it’s not the heaviest, it’s still a bit cumbersome and is hardly transportable.

However, some parents look for car seats with more heft, as they give them peace of mind that their child will be safer in case of a collision. The Nuna Exec would gain enough faith in this aspect with its 26.6-pound weight.

Overall, weighing 26.6 pounds, the Nuna Exec provides the perfect balance between ease of use and safety without being too heavy to move around, install, or transport. So, you can be confident that your child will be safe and secure without compromising on cost, comfort, or convenience.

Cup Holder - Two

The Nuna Exec car seat has two built-in cup holders that meet your child’s needs to enjoy the trips on the roads – you won’t want to take it for air travel even though it’s FAA-approved for airplane use.

The cup holders are attached to the seat, which ensures that it remains securely in place during the ride. They have large sizes in well-designed shapes to fit most cups, so you don’t have to worry about cups toppling over or not fitting well.

Made of soft and foldable material, the Nuna Exec’s cup holders are durable enough to withstand wear and tear, ensuring that they can last the entire life span of the car seat. They are also easy to clean, using dishwasher-safe material and making it convenient to reuse even after spills or leaks.

The placement of the cup holder on the Nuna Exec is strategic to avoid blocking the child’s space. Cup holders on both Exec and Rava have applied Nuna’s innovative flip-open design – which can be folded for storage when not in use and can be pivoted up and extended to hold bottles in different sizes. This allows your little one to hold the cup comfortably without the need to lean over or adjust to reach for it.

Here are the tips from the car seat manual to use the Nuna Exec cup holder:

Pivot the cup holder up and lock it in the use position.
Push the center of the cup holder down to extend to an open position.
While in the opened position, pull up the cup holder to remove it for washing.
To store, collapse the cup holder and pivot down. Press to lock in position.

Color option

Do you want to know the available colors to choose from for the Nuna Exec for girls or boys? Luckily, Nuna always designs its car seats with stylish and high-end look colors. So includes the Exec. The car seat comes in six different colors, each with a unique appeal.

They are Granite, Caviar, Lake, Oak, Ocean, and Riveted. The Caviar color is a deep black and the Riveted is a deeper black, while Granite is a pale gray. The Oak is a combination of light brown with a beige base, and Ocean and Lake are a deep blue.

These six colors are gender-neutral. They blend well with most car interior designs, so regardless of your little one’s gender, you can still find a suitable color. However, if you still prefer to have blue for boys and pink for girls, we suggest the Oak color for a baby girl and the Granite for a baby boy.

Besides their gender-neutral nature, the colors of the Nuna Exec car seat are chosen primarily for practical reasons. For instance, the Caviar color is excellent for hiding food stains, spit-ups, or accidents, while the lighter colors are easier to spot clean.

Moreover, the color choices are versatile enough to adapt to different seasons or occasions. The Frost color, for example, is perfect for hot summer days, while the Caviar color is ideal for winter getaways.

Headrest and Harness - 12 Positions

The adjustable headrest and harness are another key feature of the Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat. This innovative design allows for twelve different headrest positions, accommodating growing children of all sizes.

The 12-position headrest make the Exec rank top on this aspect, only beaten by the Britax One4Life’s 15 positions.

As your child grows, the Nuna Exec can easily adapt to keep up with their changing needs. The headrest is simple to adjust, with no re-threading required, making it a breeze to use along with the harness.

The harness is similarly easy to adjust, with five different height positions to choose from. This means you can adjust the harness to fit your child securely, allowing for maximum safety and comfort. The buckle positions can also be adjusted to fit children of different weights and sizes, further enhancing the overall level of safety and convenience.

In addition to its practicality, the Nuna Exec’s headrest and harness are designed with your child’s comfort in mind. They are made from soft, breathable materials that won’t rub or irritate your child’s delicate skin. The ample padding also helps to keep your child comfortable during long car rides.

Reclines - 8 Positions

The Nuna Exec’s 8-position reclines are a standout feature that ensures both comfort and safety for your child. With so many positions available, you can easily find the perfect angle to ensure they stay comfortable and secure for the entire ride.

The recline positions are particularly important for infants, who need a more acute angle to keep their airways clear. With the Nuna Exec, you can adjust the recline to the perfect angle for your infant, without sacrificing safety. Newborns should not be placed fully upright in a car seat, they need a more flat place to lay safely and comfortably for free breath, reducing the risk of suffocation.

As your child grows, you can adjust the recline to better suit their needs. Whether they prefer to sit upright or recline slightly to sleep, the Nuna Exec has a position for them. The different recline options also make it easier to plan long car trips, as your child can shift positions as needed to stay comfortable.

The Nuna Exec’s recline positions also help to improve overall safety. By adjusting the angle of the car seat, along with the large-size headrest, you can ensure that your child’s head doesn’t fall forward or to the side during a collision. This helps to minimize the risk of head and neck injuries, which can be particularly serious in infants.

Infant body and head insert

The Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat comes with both a body insert and a head insert designed specifically for newborns and small infants between 5-11 pounds, ensuring they stay secure and comfortable during car rides.

Babies around 5 pounds – the car seat’s minimum weight requirement, may not fit well to reach the lowest position of the harness. So the body and head inserts are designed to make your baby fit snugly into the car seat, ensuring your child stays in the proper position.

The inserts can be easily removed and washed, making them convenient for busy parents. Even better than the seat pad and harness that are made from soft, breathable materials, the body and head inserts use Merino wool and are more gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.

The body insert is particularly important for infants, as it helps position them securely within the car seat. It also provides a cozy, snug fit that mimics the feeling of being held. This can be particularly comforting for newborns who may be nervous or unsettled during car rides.

The head insert is similarly useful, as it helps to support your baby’s neck and head during the ride. It’s necessary for newborns and small infants under 11 pounds, who have underdeveloped neck muscles that may not be strong enough to support their heads on their own.

Both the body and head inserts are easy to use, with simple instructions and mechanisms that make adjusting them a breeze. And because they’re made specifically for the Nuna Exec, you can be sure they’ll fit perfectly every time.

Overall, the body and head inserts are an essential feature of the Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat, providing added comfort and safety for newborns and infants. With their soft materials and user-friendly designs, they’re a must-have for any parent looking to keep their child safe and comfortable on the road.

Bonus- Harness holders

The Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat has two magnetic harness holders that make it easy to get your child in and out of the car seat. They can hold the harness outside the seat pad so that you don’t need to worry about the straps getting in the way or your child accidentally sitting on them.

Even though you can adjust the harness before putting your kid in or getting them out, the harness holder design provides convenience if the manufacturer has considered this point. After all, not all car seats have this feature, even the most popular Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat. But one cheap model – Safety 1st Grow and Go comes equipped with harness holders as well.

Padding

The Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat is designed with comfort in mind, and its padding is no exception. Made from breathable knit fabrics, the padding is soft to the touch and provides a comfortable seat for your child.

The padding is also thick enough to provide plenty of cushioning, ensuring your child stays comfortable during long car rides. The seat pad is removable so that you can take it off for cleaning when needed.

Compared to other car seats, the Nuna Exec stands out for its attention to detail when it comes to padding. In addition to its functional benefits, the padding also adds to the overall aesthetic of the car seat. The soft, plush materials give the Nuna Exec a luxurious look and feel. The overall look is very high-end and stylish, setting it apart from other car seats on the market.

Overall, the padding on the Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat is an essential feature that helps to ensure your child stays safe and comfortable on every car ride.

5. Crash Tests and Safety Ratings

Is it safe to use Nuna Exec car seat?

The main purpose of using a car seat is to ensure the safety of your child, and the Nuna Exec is designed to provide just that. The car seat is safe to use and features several safety enhancements that give you peace of mind while driving.

One of the key safety features of the Nuna Exec car seat is the five-point harness. It helps to secure your child tightly in place and distribute the force of any impact across the five different points of contact. The harness is also adjustable with twelve different positions, which allows you to customize it to your child’s size and growth.

Another critical safety feature is the Side Impact Protection (SIP) technology – we’ll explain it in more detail in the next section. The car seat’s outer shell, made of high impact-absorbing material, offers extra protection in case of an accident or collision. The SIP design ensures that your child is shielded from impact and reduces the chances of injuries.

The Exec car seat is also equipped with an adjustable headrest that provides essential protection to the child’s head, neck, and spine. It can easily be adjusted up to twelve different positions, so as your child grows, the car seat can still be customized to its size to provide the needed protection.

The car seat features a reinforced steel frame, which enhances its durability and makes it robust for stability during a crash. The steel frame also improves the car seat’s structure, providing more protection for your child.

Lastly, the Nuna Exec has an anti-rebound bar that helps stabilize the seat during a collision, reducing the chances of the car seat moving around or tipping over. The anti-rebound bar works by limiting the car seat’s rotation and dispersing the energy from the crash evenly.

In summary, the Nuna Exec is a safe car seat packed with essential safety features that protect your child during car rides. From the five-point harness to the Side Impact Protection technology, adjustable headrest, anti-rebound bar, and reinforced steel frame, it is evident that the Exec does provide the necessary safeguards to keep your child secure.

Side Impact Protection

In addition to the features previously mentioned, the Nuna Exec car seat also includes the Aeroflex side impact protection system for enhanced safety. This advanced technology provides an extra layer of protection and adds to the car seat’s overall robustness.

The Aeroflex side impact protection system has been designed with two key features. Firstly, the rigid shell is made of a tough material that is engineered to withstand high-impact forces, protecting your child from harm’s way. The rigid shell is also adjustable, allowing you to customize it to your child’s size and ensure that they are perfectly snug and safe.

Secondly, the Aeroflex side impact protection system in the Nuna Exec car seat features side impact protection pods that increase your child’s safety. The SIP pods, along with the channels that are strategically placed in the car seat, allow for optimal airflow, keeping your child safe and comfortable during short and long drives, particularly during hot weather conditions.

The Nuna Exec’s headrest, along with the Aeroflex side impact protection system, ensures maximum protection for your child’s head, neck, and spine in case of a crash. This feature complements the other safety features in the car seat, such as the five-point harness and energy-absorbing foam, to keep your child safe.

In addition to its safety features, the Nuna Exec car seat is also user-friendly, with its easy-to-use locking system, adjustable headrest, and straightforward installation process. You do not have to worry about complicated installation processes with the Nuna Exec, which ensures that your child’s safety is not compromised, and you have a hassle-free experience while using the product.

All-steel Frame

The all-steel frame of the Nuna Exec car seat is a crucial component that adds to its overall durability, strength, and most importantly – protection.
It is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces evenly across the car seat, reducing the risk of injuries to your child. This feature is particularly useful in case of a high-impact collision, where you need the car seat’s structure to hold up well and keep your child safe.

The all-steel frame in the car seat is engineered to meet the required safety standards. It is rigorously tested to ensure that it can withstand high-impact forces and maintain the necessary structural integrity to keep your child secure during a crash.

Moreover, the steel frame enhances the Nuna Exec car seat’s overall durability, ensuring that you can use it for an extended period. It can withstand wear and tear and remains sturdy even with daily use. This feature makes it an excellent investment in your child’s safety, as you do not have to purchase another car seat anytime soon.

Additionally, the steel frame also provides excellent stability to the car seat. It keeps the car seat in place and prevents it from rocking or moving, even during sudden stops or starts.

Adjustable Anti-rebound Panel

The adjustable anti-rebound panel is another significant safety feature in the Nuna Exec car seat. It is designed to reduce rebound injuries caused by car seat rotation during a crash.

The anti-rebound panel attaches to the car seat’s base, adding weight to the car seat but reducing its movement in case of an accident, ensuring that your child’s head, neck, and spine are well protected.

The panel is made of a robust and durable material, which absorbs and distributes impact energy evenly across the car seat. This feature ensures that your child remains safe and sound, even during a high-impact collision.

Additionally, the adjustable anti-rebound panel is adjustable to provide customized protection for your child’s growth. You can adjust the panel’s angle to fit your child’s size and weight, ensuring that they receive optimal protection. This is very similar to the extension panel in the Graco Extend2Fit and its siblings.

Every feature adds to its high price, and so do the safety extras like the adjustable anti-rebound panel, exclusive Aero SIP system, and more. But if you don’t need these, cheap car seats are also safe to use.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

The Nuna Exec car seat is a versatile all-in-one car seat that can be used in rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster modes. Here are the details of the weight and height limits for each mode.

Rear-facing mode

The Nuna Exec car seat has a weight limit range of 5-50 pounds in this mode. However, if using the LATCH system, the top weight limit is 35 pounds. The height limit is the same as the forward-facing – 49 inches, providing much room for newborns and infants to grow.
Among the 50-pound and 49-inch combinations, it’s probable that your kid will outgrow the weight limit before reaching the 49-inch height limit. But the 50-pound is good as well, making the Exec one of the best rear-facing car seats at 50 lbs.

Forward-facing mode

The Nuna Exec can be used in the forward-facing mode for children weighing between 25-65 pounds. If using the LATCH system, the top weight limit is 40 pounds. The height limit is 49 inches, making it suitable for toddlers and young children.

Belt-positioning booster mode

In high-back booster mode, the car seat can accommodate children weighing between 40-120 pounds. The height range for this mode is 38-57 inches, making it suitable for older children who need a booster seat.

The weight and height limits specified by the car seat manufacturer should always be followed strictly, as they ensure the car seat can provide the necessary protection based on your child’s size and weight. Federal laws require this as well.

It’s also essential to consider your child’s comfort as they grow. The Nuna Exec car seat’s adjustable headrest and recline positions work together to make your child comfortable while riding, ensuring they enjoy the ride while being safe and protected.

Stage / Modes -1st, 2nd, 3rd

As an all-in-one car seat, the Nuna Exec car seat is able to accommodate your child through different car seat stages, including rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes, according to NHTSA’s definition. Each stage has its best points and limitations while always retaining the core safety and comfort benefits. From this section, you’ll understand each stage and decide which is suitable for your child.

Rear-facing harness stage

It is the first stage to use the Nuna Exec car seat. Newborns ride in this mode for the first time in the car and will stay in this stage until they hit the top height or weight limit. The Exec can accommodate your child up to 50 pounds with a maximum height of 49 inches.

Rear-facing mode is considerably safer than the forward-facing harness mode. That’s why you’ll find all the safety experts even the federal laws urge you to keep your little one in rear-facing mode for as long as possible, better after 2 years old. This is for your kid’s safety’s sake.

However, the rear-facing mode can limit your child’s view and may not be suitable for older children who prefer to see the road ahead – newborns and small infants won’t have this problem but toddlers are curious about this world. Also, it may not fit into smaller car models when fully reclined, so it’s essential to check your vehicle specifications before purchasing a rear-facing car seat.

Forward-facing harness stage

Once your child is over two years old or reaches the 50-pound weight limit, you can switch the car to the next forward-facing stage, which still uses the 5-point harness for optimal protection. This mode can accommodate your child up to 65 pounds with a maximum height of 49 inches.

The benefits of forward-facing mode include allowing your child to see the front of the car and boosting their comfort. Additionally, the forward-facing mode is preferred by some parents as they can easily communicate with their children on long rides.

However, switching to forward-facing mode too soon can put your child at risk of head, neck, and spine injuries in case of an accident. Additionally, the forward-facing mode is generally less safe than the rear-facing mode as the child’s head could be thrown forward in case of a crash.

Belt-positioning booster stage

This is the final stage with the Nuna Exec car seat, and it is suitable for children who have outgrown the forward-facing stage. It has a top capacity of 120 pounds and 57 inches in this mode. Actually, the Nuna Exec allows a minimum weight requirement of 40 pounds and a minimum height requirement of 38 inches. But it’s strongly recommended to have the kids ride in the harness mode for as long as possible.

The benefits of booster mode include allowing your child to use the vehicle’s seatbelt as intended, giving them the necessary independence and freedom.

However, booster mode can be unsafe if not used correctly. The seat belt must be correctly positioned across the child’s body to avoid injuries, and booster seats may not fit in smaller cars, so checking your vehicle’s specifications before purchasing is essential.

The best timing to transition from one stage to the next depends on your kid’s size and development.

See also:

Age Requirement and Range

The Nuna Exec car seat is designed to accommodate children from birth to 120 pounds. Like other car seats, it doesn’t have a specific age limit since different children grow at different rates. This car seat’s weight and height limits determine when it’s no longer suitable for your child’s safety and comfort.

The rear-facing mode is suitable for infants and younger children up to two years old, and it can accommodate your child up to 50 pounds with a maximum height of 49 inches. Once your child is over two years old or bigger than the limits, you can switch to forward-facing mode, which can accommodate your child up to 65 pounds with a maximum height of 49 inches.

Finally, the Nuna Exec car seat’s belt-positioning booster mode is suitable for children who have outgrown the forward-facing car seat, and it can accommodate your child from 40-120 pounds, up to a height range 38-57 inches. The only specified age requirement happens at this stage – kids must be at least 4 years old to use this car seat in the booster mode. That’s usually the minimum age required in the booster seat laws in the US.

Parents like you and me should follow the weight and height limits specified by the car seat manufacturer to ensure your child’s safety and comfort during car rides. As your child grows, regularly checking to ensure they still fit within the limits of the car seat will help determine when it’s time to transition to the next car seat stage.

Airplane

Is Nuna Exec car seat FAA approved for use on a plane?

The Nuna Exec car seat is an FAA-approved car seat. It can be used on an airplane in harness mode.

Why only car seats with an internal harness? Aircraft belts are lap belts only while the booster seats or car seats in booster mode are required to use a lap-shoulder belt system for proper installation.

Children up to 40 lb (18.1 kg) use a child restraint while traveling on an aircraft.

From FAA

But you probably do not want to take it from home to the airport and navigate it through the busy airports. It’s heavy, weighing 26.6 pounds.

Luckily, the Nuna has thought about this point and provides a wheeled travel bag if you plan to take any Nuna convertible or booster seat for travel. It’s just that you need to spend another $300 for the travel bag – that’s even more expensive than a lot of car seats on the market.

If you don’t want to spend over $1000 to get a car seat and a travel bag for air trips, there are many cheaper alternatives that are more portable for families on the go – either lightweight or foldable.

See also:

Tips on using car seats on airplanes

Lifespan

How long is Nuna Exec car seat good for

The Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat is a long-term investment that can serve your child for many years. However, like other car seats, it has an expiration date after which you should stop using it. The lifespan of the Exec is ten years from its date of manufacture.

It’s crucial to keep track of the car seat’s expiration date since using an expired car seat can compromise your child’s safety in the event of a collision.

To find the expiration date of your Exec, you need to look for a sticker located at the bottom of the car seat. If the expiry date is not directly shown on that sticker, there will be the date of manufacture and you can easily calculate the expiry date with that info and the 10 years of the given lifespan.

The sticker usually contains other information about the car seat, including the model number, date of manufacture, and expiration date. It’s a good idea to regularly check the sticker and note down the expiration date in your records.

When the expiration date of the Nuna Exec car seat has passed, it’s essential to dispose of it responsibly. You can contact your local recycling programs or take advantage of community recycling events to dispose of the car seat properly.

See also:

Warranty

The Nuna provides a custom warranty for the Exec car seat, starting from the date of original purchase. The manufacturer does not specify how many years of the warranty last. It’s better to register the car seat and contact the team for confirmation.

The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or abuse of the car seat, normal wear, and tear, or damage caused by accidents or collisions.

7. Nuna Exec Car Seat Installation

Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.

If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.

The instructions in the Nuna Exec car seat manual are very intuitive, making the whole installing process foolproof and effortless for parents.

Ture Tension System for Easy Installation

One of the key features of the Nuna Exec is its patented True Tension system. This innovative technology is designed to ensure a secure and easy installation process, without the need for complicated instructions or confusing diagrams.

The True Tension system uses a simple color-coded belt path and tension indicators to guide you in installing the car seat. The tension indicators take the guesswork out of installation by providing clear feedback on when the seat is tight enough to ensure a safe, secure fit.

Unlike other car seats that may require several attempts to achieve the correct tension, the True Tension system ensures that you get it right the first time, every time. This minimizes the risk of installation error and improves overall safety for your child.

Additionally, the True Tension system is designed to work in conjunction with the other safety features of the Nuna Exec, such as side impact protection and energy-absorbing foam. Together, these features provide maximum protection and peace of mind for parents and caregivers.

Thanks to the True Tension system, installing the Nuna Exec is quick and easy, allowing you to focus on what really matters – ensuring your child is safe and secure on every car ride.

Install Nuna Exec Car Seat Rear-facing

Rear-facing Installation Setup

Store the tether strap under the tether strap cover.

1 – Select rear-facing recline position 1–4 (BLUE section in the base).

2 – Place the child restraint rear-facing in a compatible vehicle seat.

3 – Move the leg rest to the required installation position. The leg rest MUST be used in rear-facing mode. The angle of the leg rest should match the angle of the vehicle seat back. In Lap Belt Only installation, the leg rest CANNOT be extended.

4 – Raise cup holders to access the rear-facing belt path. Loosen and unbuckle the harness and retain it with magnetic buckle tongue holders. Remove the infant insert and lift the lower seat cover.

5 – Open rear-facing True Tension ™ door.

Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation (Best)

1 – Route vehicle lap/shoulder belt through BLUE rear-facing belt path and buckle vehicle lap/ shoulder belt. Vehicle belt MUST be routed under True Tension™ door (1). Remove all slack from the vehicle belt (2).

2 – Close the True Tension™ door and lock the vehicle belt (refer to vehicle owner’s manual). Test by pulling on the shoulder belt to ensure it is locked. Replace the seat cover and infant insert (if used).

To open the True Tension™ door, unbuckle the vehicle belt and lift the door release button.

Install Using LATCH Connectors

Do not install by this method for a child weighing more than 35 lb (15.8 kg).

1 – Remove lower anchor belt from storage compartment and route through BLUE rear facing belt path under cup holder. Belt MUST be routed under True Tension ™ door.

2 – Lengthen lower anchor belt as necessary and attach to lower anchor points in vehicle.

3 – Remove all slack from lower anchor belt by pulling loop at end of belt.

4 – Close True Tension ™ door and replace seat cover and infant insert (if used).

To open True Tension ™ door, release lower anchors and lift door release button. If needed, slightly push child restraint against vehicle seat to relieve tension on lower anchor belt before releasing lower anchors.

Install Using Lap Belt

In this installation, the leg rest CANNOT be extended (must be pushed as far back into the child restraint as possible).

1 – Route vehicle lap belt through BLUE rear facing belt path and buckle vehicle lap belt (1) . Remove all slack from vehicle lap belt (2) .

2 – Close True Tension ™ door and lock vehicle belt (refer to vehicle owner’s manual). Test by pulling on lap belt to ensure it is locked. Replace seat cover and infant insert (if used).

To open True Tension ™ door, unbuckle vehicle belt and lift door release button.

Nuna Exec Forward-facing installation

Forward-facing Setup

Remove tether from storage and lengthen for use.

1 – Select desired forward facing recline position 1–4 (RED region in the base).

2 – Place child restraint forward facing in a compatible vehicle seat with the bottom of the restraint parallel to the vehicle seat bottom and the top of the restraint contacting the vehicle seat back.

The leg rest MUST NOT be above the restraint seating surface. Loosen and unbuckle the harness and retain with magnetic buckle tongue holders.

3 – Fully raise head support, lift seat cover, and open forward facing True Tension ™ door.

Install with Lap/Shoulder Belt

1 – Route vehicle lap/shoulder belt through RED forward facing belt path and buckle vehicle lap/ shoulder belt (1). Vehicle belt MUST be routed under True Tension™ door. Remove all slack from the vehicle belt (2). Close True Tension™ door (3). Lock vehicle belt (refer to vehicle owner’s manual). Test by pulling on shoulder belt to ensure it is locked. Replace seat cover.

2 – Attach tether hook to tether anchor on vehicle.

3 – Tighten by pulling on tether strap to remove all slack. Tuck excess webbing behind child restraint.

To open True Tension™ door, unbuckle vehicle belt and lift door release button.

Install Using LATCH Connectors

Do not install by this method for a child weighing more than 40 lb (18.1 kg).

1 – Remove lower anchor belt from storage compartment and route through RED forward facing belt path. Belt MUST be routed under True Tension ™ door.

2 – Lengthen lower anchor belt as necessary and attach to lower anchor points in vehicle.

3 – Remove all slack from lower anchor belt by pulling loop at end of belt straight back from lower anchor connector (1) . Close True Tension ™ door (2). Replace seat cover.

4 – Attach tether hook to tether anchor on vehicle and tighten (p.38). Tuck excess webbing behind child restraint.

To open True Tension ™ door, release tether and lower anchors. If needed, slightly push child restraint against vehicle seat to relieve tension on lower anchor belt before releasing anchors. Lift door release button.

Install Using Lap Belt

1 – Route vehicle lap belt through RED forward facing belt path and buckle vehicle lap belt. (1) Vehicle belt MUST be routed under True Tension ™ door. Remove all slack from the vehicle lap belt to properly secure the child restraint (2) . Close True Tension ™ door (3). Lock vehicle belt (refer to vehicle owner’s manual). Test by pulling on lap belt to ensure it is locked. Replace seat cover.

2 – Attach tether hook to tether anchor on vehicle.

3 – Tighten by pulling on tether strap to remove all slack. Tuck excess webbing behind child restraint.

To open True Tension ™ door, unbuckle vehicle belt and lift door release button.

Install Nuna Exec Car Seat in Booster Mode

Booster installation setup

1 – Harness MUST be stored when using the child restraint as a booster. Raise head support and store harness straps and harness buckle inside the seat.

2 – Place child restraint forward facing in a compatible vehicle seat that has both a lap belt and a shoulder belt. The bottom of the restraint should be parallel to the vehicle seat bottom and the top of the restraint should contact the vehicle seat back. The leg rest MUST NOT be above the restraint seating surface.

3 – Select desired booster recline position 1–4 (PURPLE). Adjust or remove the vehicle headrest as needed to remove interference. If you remove your vehicle headrest, be sure to store it in a secure place; check your vehicle owner’s manual.

4 – Open seat cover. Complete installation with the lower anchor belt or, if necessary, without. Move the leg rest to desired installation position.

Install with Lower Anchor Belt

Booster MUST remain secured by lower anchor belt even when unoccupied to avoid becoming a projectile in the vehicle.

1 – Remove lower anchor belt from storage compartment and route through RED forward facing belt path. Belt MUST be routed under forward facing (RED) True Tension ™ door.

2 – Lengthen lower anchor belt as necessary and attach to lower anchor points in vehicle. Lower anchor belt MUST NOT interfere with the vehicle seat belt.

3 – Remove all slack from lower anchor belt by pulling loop at end of belt straight back from latch connector (1) . Close True Tension ™ door (2). Replace seat cover.

Without Lower Anchor Belts

This installation should ONLY be used if installation with lower anchors is not possible.

1 – When the child restraint is installed without lower anchors, the leg rest MUST be minimally extended and angled down towards the vehicle seat.

2 – Leg rest MUST NOT be extended or angled out enough that a child can step on it and tip the child restraint over, which could cause serious injury.

3 – Leg rest MUST NOT be pushed into the vehicle seat enough to lift the child restraint off the seat.

4 – When not using lower anchors, the back of the booster seat MUST fit tightly against the back and bottom of the vehicle seat. Adjust or remove the vehicle headrest as needed to remove interference.

Nuna Exec Car Seat Manual

You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.

The Nuna Exec car seat manual is stored in a small storage slot under the adjustable leg rest of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

It’s also a good idea to check the online manual first to confirm whether the Exec car seat will be a good fit in your vehicle or not before purchasing it if you’re really interested in getting this expensive machine.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Nuna
Type
Suitable for	Newborns, toddlers, and big kids
Positions	Rear-facing and forward-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	6. Bulkdy and heavy duty
Weight (pounds)	26.6
Weight limits (lb.)	5-50 for RF, 25-65 for FF, 40-120 for booster
Height limit (inch)	49” for RF & FF; 57″ for booster
Dimension	L 22.5″ x W 18.5″ x H 26-33″
Cup holder	TWo
Performance
Age Range	Birth-8 years or older
Stage	1st, 2nd, 3rd
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	12
Recline positions	8
Airplane	Yes
Lifespan	10 Years
Extra Features	Adjustable Leg rest

Nuna Exec vs Britax One4Life

Car Seats Comparison	Nuna Exec	Britax One4Life
Price	750	$399.99
Weight limits (lb)	RF:5-50 / FF: 25-65/ Booster: 40-120	RF:5-50 / FF: 22-65/ Booster: 40-120
Height limits (in)	RF / FF: 49"; Booster: 57"	RF / FF: 49"; Booster: 63"
Installation	Simply	ClickTight
Side impact protection	3 layers	2 layers
Headrest positions	12	15
Recine position	8	9
Width	18.5 inches	19.5 inches
Car Seat Weight	26.6 lb.	30 lb.
Machine-washable fabric	✓	✓
Cup Holder	Two	Two
Color options	6; Granite, Caviar, Lake, Oak, Ocean, and Riveted	12; Eclipse Black, Cadet, Drift, Onyx, Graphite Onyx, Spark, Plum, etc

*About the height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.

9. Alternatives

What other all-in-one car seats should you consider?

Britax One4Life

Weight range (lb): 5-50 (RF): 20-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
Height limits: ~49"(RF&FF); 63"(Booster)
Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 8 years or older

Why is it better than the Nuna Exec car seat?

Why is it worse than the Nuna Exec car seat?

Graco 4Ever DLX

Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
Height limits: ~49"(RF&FF); 57"(Booster)
Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 8 years or older